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Judge strikes down much of Wisconsin's anti-union law

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A judge in Dane County, Wis., has struck down the main portions of Gov. Scott Walker's anti-union law, which stripped Wisconsin public employees of their right to collectively bargain. Judge Juan Colas ruled on Sept. 14 that Act 10—which Walker signed into law in March 2011—violated both the state constitution and the U.S. Constitution because it infringes on employees' rights to free speech, association and equal protection.

"This is a good day for Wisconsin's working people and the union movement," says Stephanie Bloomingdale, secretary-treasurer of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO. "When workers choose to join together for mutual aid and protection, their employer should honor their choice, come to the table, and discuss wages and working conditions."

Rep. Peter Barca, the Democratic minority leader in the state Assembly, calls the ruling a huge victory for workers and free speech. "This decision will help re-establish the balance between employees and their employers."

Walker has said he will appeal the decision, and some legal experts are predicting that the case will end up being resolved by the state Supreme Court. [Wisconsin State AFL-CIO, Huffington Post]

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The American Federation of Teachers is a union of professionals that champions fairness; democracy; economic opportunity; and high-quality public education, healthcare and public services for our students, their families and our communities. We are committed to advancing these principles through community engagement, organizing, collective bargaining and political activism, and especially through the work our members do.